From CFO at 27 to CEO of an €800m Business | Lorna Conn, CPL | CEO Corner

“I might not have all the qualifications, and there might be gaps. But I will die trying.” What does it take to lead one of Ireland's largest talent businesses, and to back yourself into the room before you feel ready? In this episode of CEO Corner, Lorna Conn, CEO of CPL (the €800m talent solutions group employing 14,000 people) joins Sarah McGrath for a rare, honest conversation between two people who know recruitment from very different ends of the scale. From CFO at 27 to CEO, Lorna shares how she has grown CPL through centralisation, culture, and a relentless focus on building a better business: → backing yourself into roles bigger than your experience → why psychological safety is the real foundation of performance → how private equity can be a growth partner, not a cost-cutter → the grit the recruitment industry actually demands → asking for what you are worth, and the homework to do first An essential listen for founders, leaders, and anyone building a career with ambition. Sponsored by 360 Search. Your career, our expertise. www.360search.ie 0:00 Intro 1:47 Inside CPL: the €800m talent group 5:35 Always wanted to be an accountant 9:36 Taking a CFO seat at 27 12:27 No shame in not knowing 13:00 “Don't make that decision for her” 15:33 Having it all, and what it costs 17:00 Succeeding Anne Heraty after 31 years 20:00 Delisting, Japan and Bain Capital 24:00 Private equity as a growth partner 26:00 40% profit growth: centralisation 30:00 Three principles of a business that succeeds 33:11 The grit recruitment demands 39:41 Leadership style and autonomy 45:00 The three foundations of psychological safety 48:20 Embracing AI 51:59 The 30% Club and the “broken rung” 58:50 Asking for what you're worth 1:03:40 Upbringing and drive 1:09:10 Legacy